In a country where 1 in 2 women are illiterate, our girls have the resources to flourish against all odds. Their interests span a diverse range, including math, science, medicine, and literature.

 

Words of hope and Gratitude from Some of our high school Graduates

“I am continuing my university studies in conditions I never imagined would be possible. I am currently in my first year of Dentistry, soon entering my second year next month I’m still waiting for the results. Despite the difficulties, there have been times when I couldn’t even get to campus because of clashes between gangs, police interventions, and other dangerous situations. I have even felt scared at times. But I keep moving forward with determination, because your encouragement and financial support play a huge role in my progress.

University is a demanding world, and challenges are everywhere. Between classes, projects, exams, responsibilities, and sometimes even struggling to find a proper life balance, I often feel exhausted but I know every effort will one day be rewarded with joy. Your help allows me to stay focused on my studies, to keep hope alive, and to believe that I can build a better future.

For me, dentistry is far more than just a profession it’s a way to bring healing, dignity, and self-confidence to people who are often silently suffering. Oral health is deeply connected to overall well-being, and in my country, access to proper dental care is very limited. I speak from personal experience. There was a time when I suffered terribly from tooth pain and gingivitis. It was an incredibly difficult period. I couldn’t eat anything sweet or salty, my gums were constantly bleeding, and I had migraines almost every day. I visited several dentists, but most of them seemed more concerned about money than care. Some even prescribed braces without treating the gum infection first. I saw how careless some practitioners could be, and it made me realize something important: I want to do things differently. I want to be part of the solution. I want to help people truly smile again, not just on the outside, but from within. That is what gives meaning to all the challenges I face every day.

I take none of this for granted. I am fully aware of the incredible opportunity I’ve been given, and I want to say from the bottom of my heart: thank you. Thank you for your trust, your generosity, and for a gesture that goes far beyond financial support. It’s an act that is truly changing my life, that inspires me, and that motivates me to give my very best.

One day, I deeply hope to be able to give someone else what you have given me: a chance to build their life.” - Julie, above far left

“I am currently in my second year of studies in Technical Networking. I am writing to express my gratitude for your generous support and to share some updates about my academic progress. Currently, I am enrolled in my second year of university.Among all the courses in my program, Microsoft technologies are my favorite. I enjoy learning how these tools work and how they are applied in real-world environments. In order to complete my education, I need to finish my specialization program, which lasts one more year. I am fully committed to completing it with success. Outside of my studies, I enjoy drawing and staying updated on the latest news in technology. These hobbies help me stay inspired and connected to the field I’m passionate about.” - Saintania, above with her laptop

Marceline is now working on her 8th semester of medical school.  She reports that the focus for this semester is mostly obstetrics.  Last summer she started her intern work in delivery rooms helping to deliver babies and guide the moms.  She messaged me about how some women just came for the birthing with no prenatal care at all with some alarming results.  She and other students began a group to help in this area.  The initial meeting about support for women's health was covered by national media in September.  She spoke a little, she said she was nervous, but once started she relaxed on the topic.  They were all prepared.  There were other medical students there doing blood pressure checkups. condom giveaways, and other basic health needs. It was deemed a success and the students hope to do another in the future, but are now back to focusing on their classes.  With these classes, she also attended other obstetric surgeries with pregnant women in distress.  She is learning how to care for the moms, and also about how much prenatal care and nutrition is important for the life of both the mother and the baby.   She has volunteered on the maternity wards in her free time as well. - Marceline is in the bottom row in the bright blue scrubs 

 “I'm fine by the grace of God. I write you this letter to tell you about my school. Actually I'm in 3rd grade of nursing, in October I will be in 4th grade. The classes I love the most are obstetrics, pediatrics and cardiology. I have one more year to finish my nursing study after that I will be graduated  and have my diploma but I have to pass a national government exam to be a certified nurse. Before going to the nursing national government exam I have to submit a thesis, and I have 15 internships to submit. I've done two at Eliazar Germain Hospital Center (CHEG).  It was great and I have  learned  a lot of things. So I have 13 left to complete. In my free time I like watching TV, talk to my friends and I like to comb hair (like doing braids, cornrows braids and twists braids...) I hope you could help me finish my internships and others. I'm very grateful. Thanks a lot for helping me.” - Chelda, above far left 

“I'm currently in my final year of nursing school. It's been a challenging but rewarding journey. I enjoy learning about patient care, anatomy, and pharmacology. Among all the classes, I especially like clinical practice and gerontology because they allow me to apply what I’ve learned in real-life situations. I’m going to graduate in 2026. To complete my program, I need to finish my internship, write and present my thesis, and pass my final exams.  I am currently completing my internships. In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and spending time with the cats. I also like learning new things online and watching health-related videos to expand my knowledge.” — Magdala, pictured above in the navy blue scrubs

“I am 22 years old. I am studying dentistry. I will start my 4th year in October. I have 2 years left to graduate from college. I have worked in a lot of clinics and they are my favorite cause They help me become efficient and good. I have done cleaning, anesthesia and taking impressions for prosthetics. I like studying dentistry because it is a mixture of art, sculpture, and precision. In my free time I like to read about dentistry and novels especially Danielle Steel and Nora Roberts. Besides reading I like to talk with people around me. And watching movies. After my 2 years left in my college I have to write a thesis about a specific topic in Dentistry and graduate. I love what I am studying and I am really proud of myself because I know I will be a good dentist and I will bring a lot of beautiful smiles back. I will be forever grateful for what you have done for me here. I hope this letter finds you well and blessed.” - Chineca, top far right

“I want to sincerely thank you for all your support throughout my university journey. I’m currently in my 4th year, studying Business Management. This past semester, I had seven classes, and I’m proud to say that *I passed all of them. Now, I’m waiting for the reopening of the university, which should be very soon. My favorite class was Management 2.I really loved this course because it helped me better understand how organizations function, how to lead a team, and how to make strategic decisions. The professor was excellent—very clear in teaching and always open to questions, which made the class even more interesting and valuable. Studying management is shaping me into someone who can handle real-world challenges in the workplace. It’s building my confidence and giving me the skills I need to succeed in my future career. After I finish university, I plan to work in project management or administration, where I can apply everything I’ve learned to help businesses grow and solve problems efficiently. Thank you once again for your support. Your help means the world to me, and it’s allowing me to move closer to my dreams.” - Wislande, above, with her calculator

“At this stage, I have finished all my classes and am now waiting to begin the final requirement of my program: the thesis. This is the last step before graduation, and I am fully committed to completing it successfully. Once done, I’ll be ready to enter the job market and begin a new chapter in my life. During my studies, I discovered a strong interest in corporate finance. I enjoy analyzing how businesses manage their resources and make strategic financial decisions. In my free time, I like reading financial articles to stay updated and deepen my understanding of the field. This passion motivates me to keep learning and growing professionally. Your support means so much to me. It not only helps me continue my education, but it also reminds me that someone believes in my future. I hope you will continue to stand with me during this final stage, so I can complete my degree and move forward with confidence toward independence.” - Belove, above bottom far right

““All our time and energy is going to people who take advantage of it and are succeeding, in a place where the odds are so slim for the people to have success.” —Board member Nancy Watanabe”